The review by Helena Morrissey, a businesswoman, found mistakes stretching back for 20 years in the way the Liberal Democrats dealt with sexual harassment allegations.

She singled out Nick Clegg, and two ministers, Jo Swinson and Danny Alexander, for failing to take enough action to investigate the accusations against the former party chief executive.

Responding to the report, Mr Clegg said he took full responsibility for processes not being in place within the party to support the women who had come forward to report alleged misconduct.

"The Liberal Democrats must be a party where even a hint of sexism is taken seriously, where every allegation of harassment is dealt with properly, and where there can be no fear that power or position can be abused," he said.